The Sunday herald., 1887-01-16

menus OF the feStlv6 Day. but tsOIIOWiut huu
anxious thoughts insisted upon obtruding
themselves, including uncomfortable mia
givipgs whether the deceit he was practicipg
upon his wife with reference to the man in
possession was, after all, justihable. Al odd
moments he vas inclined 10 resent Mr.. John.
sons impertinence, when he saw him fofrp-
ing with the children or talking afably With
his wife, and remembered his social stains
and vacation; but the sight OF the Innocent
happiness around him disarmed his vexa
tion, and reconciled him TO the prospect OF
the possible complications which he morrow
would reveal.
He contrived, therefore, to preserve dur
ing the day a toleratly uurufiisd demeanor;
though, as the dinner hour approached, he
was seized with fresh qualms Of conscience
on being reminded that there would be other
guests at his table besides Mr.. Johnson.
They consisted Of two or three neighbors and
maiden aunt Of his wife's-nope OF them
persons with whom he need stand upon
ceremony; but still lie felt rather uncomfor
table at the idea Of introducing a sheriff's
officer In disguise at the same table with
them. To add to his discontinue, he re
oeived, late In the afternoon, a shock which
proved almost too much for his fortitude.
It came in the shape of a telegram from his
old friend, George Alloway, saying that his
ship had arrived in the docks that morning,
aud that he proposed, II he could possibly
get away, to Join their Christmas party At
dinner.
There was nothing very alarming at frat
sight In this communication, and Jack un.
suspiciously handed the despatch to his
wife. But the next moment he started
guiltily, as his wife said:
"Cousin John, you will meet friend Of
| yourg at dinner tO. .niCht,o
"a friend Of minel" exclaimed Mr.. John
son, looking slightly confused.
"Yes, Capt. Alloway. He tslegraphs to
say he will join us at dinner TO night"
Jack watched Mr.. johnson anxiously, and
was amazed at his remarkable self.posses.
sion and readiness. Instead Of appearing
upset at the news of the arrival Of a man
who knew the real John Royston, aud
would infallibly denounce his impersonator,
Mr.. johnson received the announcement
with conventional expression Of mild graft
fcation. His coolness irritated Jack, who
took him aside at the frat opportunity and
said eagerly:
"You must make an excuse for not dining
with us TO night
="The worst thing could do. I. wouli
look suspicious,'' said Mr.. johnson with
quiet assurance.
"What would you advise, then Shall
telegraph, ortry and stop Alloways" raid
Jack wildly.
ut would be too late. Don't agitat.
yourself. Leave me to act my part.''
"You mean to meet him then" ex
claimed Jack, quite taken aback.
Eyes, and to diue with him. Trust TO me
aud keep calm. Here are some Of your
guests" said Mr.. Johnson.
1t was all very we'll TO be told to keer
| n Al ,,udur ounh nj oucor hut vaoG
was in state Of nervous apprehension
which rendered him almost frantic. Unfor-
tunately, the guests were already beginning
10 arrive, or Jack would probably hav.
adopted the alternative plan of oonfessipf
everything to his wife, aud relegatiug Mr.
johnson to his proper ohscurity. But he
was forced, from sheer helplessness, to ac
quiesce In the mans suggestion, though Il
appeared to him to have only one recon
menda.iop, and that was that lie was no
called upon to do anything. But that i
would inevitably lead to disagreeabl,
scene, involving disagreeable disclosures
} seemed foregone conclusion.
The only ray of hope was that Capt. Allo
way might bs prevented from fulfilling his
, intention. Poor Jack clung desperately Il
this, and 1t sustained him during the arriva
of his other guests. He plucked mp his cour
age little when they all seated them
selves at table. though the Captains non
, appearance went for nothing, as he did no
J know the dinner hour, and might turn up a
: any time. Still glass or two of wine aud Mr.
Johnson's complete assurance revived hin
considerably, and he was just carving til
turkey, with no distraoing thought in hi
, mind at the moment to divert his attention
when a heavy hand was suddenly laid upol
his shoulder.
Jack, my boy, how goes ita" cried ia
miliar voice, and the host realized that hi
friend stood by his side, his entrance bavin
) been unnotisei amid the mifth aud uproar.
Jack glanced nervously at Mr.. Johnson
! who, like the rest of the guests, was lookinI
up at the new arrival. He then greeted hi
friend with all the warmth he could com
mand, and resumed his seat with blanche
cheeks and trembling hand. Capt. Allowa
went straight up to Mrs. Bender, aud afte
J shaking hauds was about to take possession
l Of the place laid for him, when Mr.. Johnso
! quietly leaned forward from the opposit
! side of the table, and saluted.
"How are you, Captain 7" he said.
"You know my husbands cousin, MI
ROystOn, whom you met in Queensland,
interposed the hostess, as tho Captain stare
at Mr.. Johnson with a vague gaze, Will
Jack sat like a statue upon his chair il
3 breathless suspense.
"Mr. Royston! Oh yes; certainly. d.
lighted To meet you again on the right sid
r of the GLOBE" said the Captain after paus,
To an ordinary observer Capt. Alloway'
manner was simply that of man who at th
first moment failed to recognize the feature
5 of an acquaintance; but Jack, with the guilt
T knowledge that hs possessed, perceived ths
3 his old friend, being taken aback, had nc
8 ventured to express his doubts. TWAS ev
dent 10 Jack that Capt. Alloway had not bee
, deceived by Mr.. Johnson's impudent assuI
anoe, but would, in due course, speak h
4 mind, and bring about the imminent pxpl,
| sion.
a Still, the danger for the time was avertet
and nothing had occurred to disturb th
j general harmony. This was q bless
1 which Jack could not feel sufficiently grats
full for; aud, when hs reflected tLat Cap
Allowsy would probably adopt the course
l warning him privately about Mr.. johnson
. SO that he would have an opportunity
8 smoothing things over by letting the Cal
tain Into the secret, he felt quite ligh
hearted and convivial. His good humor II
, creased as the dinner proceeded, and he ha
' ceased 10 be the least anxious about Nj
t Johnson, when, upon the crackers beiu
' opened, that individual jsrked across III
table to him the contents of one OF then
D crying'
"Thers is fools cap for you, jack"
= This piece of familiarity Jared upon ia j
I especially as it recalled 10 hs mind un pleas
4 ant realities. He swallowed his indignation
however, and proceeded to uurOll the tissu
r paper. when from the fol Is there fell OF
upon his plate an ominou looking slip
l blue paper. Jack started from IL as thong
n 1t had been viper, aud then, with crIu
i son face, hurriedly picked it up and glance
y stit. II bore his own signature, aud WI
!. the acceptance upon which he had bee
n sued hy Mr.. Lazarus.
i Jack slowed It away In his pocket, with
o frightened glance At his wife and at h
g neighboTs at table, none Of whom, fort,
e nately, had observed his action. Then /
. looked ACROSS at Mr.. johnson, too muc
. dazsd and startled to realize the signihcan,
of the incident. But Mr.. johnson was
: the moment engaged in conversation wit
T. Capt. Alloway.
n 81 saw you did not RECOGNIZES me-" til
former was remarkiDg.
4 "My dear fellow, you have grown bsart
aud you have got gray since | saw you,
g cried the Captain in hearty tones. ~ WI
s startled at the first glance; bnt, of course,
y recognized you perfectly the next moment.
NRannJuizaI whnn ~ cri.d J,oL iai,